Jen Sotolongo - The Essential Guide to Hiking with Dogs: Trail-Tested Tips and Expert Advice for Canine Adventures

There are plenty of innovative designs that can make your hike easier:

• If you hike in wet or muddy conditions, coated biothane webbing cleans up easily.
• For on-leash hikes, consider a hands-free waist leash. Some come with adjustability or built-in elastic for comfort. Euro leads (with a snap on each end) offer multiple configurations including waist leash and ability to walk two dogs. If youll be running, take a look at skijoring and canicross belts for better support and comfort.
• When hiking in an off-leash area, a short, waist-sized leash (like the Ruffwear Ridgeline or a custom leash) can be convenient since it can be worn as a belt when not in use.
• A traffic tab clipped to the harness or a collar leash like the Ruffwear Quick Draw or Rad Dog Release N Run makes your medium to large off-leash dog easier to grab at quick notice (these are too big for small dogs).

Look for a comfortable fit that doesnt shift around or chafe between the front legs or behind the armpits. Avoid harnesses with a band that cuts horizontally across the shoulders in front (this limits range of motion), and make sure there is plenty of clearance for the neck and throat. Ill-fitting harnesses will fit either too loosely or too tightly and will not stay in place. You want to be able to insert two fingers between the straps and your dogs body.

Any well-fitting harness will work, but there are a couple of specialty options for more serious hiking:

• Sturdy assistance harnesses feature a handle at the middle of the back and are great for helping dogs over obstacles. These harnesses usually have two belly straps and cover a lot of the body. The Ruffwear Webmaster is a popular option; Hurtta makes its Trail Harness, and Groundbird Gear makes custom-fit breathable harnesses with full belly support (with optional backpacks).
• For backpacking or longer hikes, healthy dogs can wear backpacks to help carry their own snacks and essentials. Look for a backpack that fits close to the body, balances well, and has an appropriate capacity for your dogs build. Be sure to weigh out gear for your dogs safety.

Anything will work (even your cupped palm if your dog is willing), but there are a few unique options:

• If youll be feeding your dog on the trail, screw-top silicone bowls can carry the food in and keep your pack clean on the way out. I like the Sea to Summit X-Seal line.
• If youre trail running or packing light, a super packable fabric bowl is the way to go. I find I offer water more often if the bowl is handy in my pocket. I use the Ruffwear Trail Runner, and Ive heard good things about the Rad Dog and Wildebeest Montara bowls.

Any time youre venturing farther from civilization, make sure to bring a first-aid kit with necessities for your dog as well as yourself. Look for a compact design with just the items you need and a lightweight, functional case, or youll find yourself leaving it at home.